Sylvan Esso Faces Challenges in Streaming Decision

Sylvan Esso, the electro-pop duo from North Carolina, released their fifth studio album Ow ∞ on September 11, 2025, through their own label, Psychic Hotline. The project engaged various collaborators at their home studio, Betty’s. Just a week after its release, the band announced their entire catalog, including Ow ∞, would return to Spotify starting September 18.

Previously, Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn pulled their music from Spotify due to concerns over the platform’s former CEO Daniel Ek’s investment in Helsing, an AI software firm in the defense sector. This decision aligned Sylvan Esso with other indie artists who protested by removing their work from Spotify.

Meath noted the nostalgic decision to leave Spotify aligned with what they believed was morally correct, though they soon saw the unsustainable impact across their career. Sanborn added that they recognized their inability to outrun capitalist market forces, which significantly affected their careers. Despite the setback, they felt compelled by the principles they stood for.

During an interview with Brian Burns of NPR member station WUNC, Meath expressed that she wanted their music accessible to everyone. She realized that removing their catalog put an unexpected barrier to access, noting mainstream listeners might not search beyond Spotify.

Sanborn admitted the financial implications were substantial, and at times disheartening, yet still valuable for their intentions. Further discussing the impact, Meath highlighted that Spotify’s reach deeply influenced every aspect of their career, from album exposure to financial security.

Regarding the broader music industry, Meath emphasized artists can succeed without Spotify but admitted that distribution platforms create essential exposure. Sanborn pointed out the impracticality for other musicians to follow them due to the enormous consequences, advising instead for listeners to consider how they support artists financially.

As for their aspirations, both Meath and Sanborn expressed hopes of a music streaming ecosystem free of monopolistic power. They envisioned streaming services that fairly compensate artists without ethical concerns, highlighting their discontent with the current landscape.

Meath suggested that the public supporting artists would focus on buying music and concert tickets directly. Sanborn further encouraged buying pre-sale concert tickets, which greatly impact a band’s logistics and confidence to tour.

When questioned about the public reaction to reinstating their music on Spotify, Meath and Sanborn acknowledged the risk of backlash but emphasized the importance of being open to changing one’s stance when circumstances evolve.